Honouring Anna Jameson

We are thrilled to borrow John Gibson's marble bust of Anna Brownell Jameson (née Murphy) from the National Portrait Gallery, which is currently on display in the Main Vestibule. This display marks Jameson's important role in the National Gallery's history.

Anna Brownell Jameson (1794–1860) was a pioneering writer and art historian who made significant contributions to art criticism and literature. She is considered England’s first female art historian. Born in Dublin and educated in London, she began her career as a governess before rising to prominence with her literary work. Over her thirty-year career, necessitated through having to support several family members, she published a range of influential books. In 'Memoirs of Celebrated Female Sovereigns' (1831) and 'Characteristics of Women, Moral, Poetical and Historical' (1832), she strongly advocated women’s roles in history and literature. Through publications such as 'Sacred and Legendary Art' (1848–64), she later established herself as a leading art critic. Other works, including 'Handbook to the Public Galleries' (1842) and 'Memoirs of the Early Italian Painters' (1845), played a crucial role in educating the public about art and supporting the National Gallery’s mission to reach broad audiences. 

In honour of Jameson, her friend Susan Homer commissioned a bust in May 1860 and approached a mutual friend John Gibson (1790–1866). The sculptor agreed to create an image for £50, in recognition of his respect for Jameson, and completed it by autumn 1862. The marble bust, together with a plinth on which was inscribed a laudatory inscription, was initially given to the South Kensington Museum (V&A), but following concerns about its poor display, it was moved to the National Portrait Gallery in 1883.
In recognition of her pioneering role in art history, we have named the annual Women and the Arts Forum lecture event after Jameson, celebrating her enduring influence on art scholarship.

Learn more about the lecture series.

To find out more about the portrait bust and the life of Anna Jameson, please read the in-depth description on our collections page.